Farmers split over new regulations bill
HARRISBURG – Farmers are fiercely divided over a bill that would prohibit local farming regulations that are stricter than state laws. Supporters say the measure would reduce lawsuits and boost business, while opponents say it allows pollution by large corporate-run farms and could hurt family farmers. The controversial legislation could be passed into law as early as next week.
Under the bill, municipalities would be prohibited from passing ordinances and implementing policies that are inconsistent with the Right to Farm Law, which is aimed at protecting agricultural operations from nuisance suits. Farmers would also be entitled to recover legal fees and court costs associated with a successful legal challenge against unlawful ordinances.
“It will benefit farming as a whole,” said Elder Vogel Sr., a dairy farmer from New Sewickley Township in Beaver County. “It should benefit my own farm.”
The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and many other agricultural organizations agree. They insist that the legislation is vital to the survival and growth of Pennsylvania farmers.
“All over the state we continue to see unfair treatment to our farmers and producers,” said Brenda Shambaugh, legislative director for the Pennsylvania State Grange. “From bee keepers to strawberry farmers, they have been restricted by ordinances passed to curtail their operation and livelihood.”
But some farmers say the proposed law would make it much easier for large, factory farms to set up shop in Pennsylvania, which would eventually drive out small, family farms.
“I just don’t think that a lot of farmers really understand the repercussions of this legislation,” said Don Kretschmann, who owns a 70-acre vegetable farm in New Sewickley Township.
Environmentalists and union groups also warn that, if passed, the bill could bring about health and environmental problems because communities would be unable to impose restrictions on sludge and other hazards.
“Sludge, which is basically human waste, presents direct threats to the health and safety of [the local community],” said William George, president of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO. “Removing local control, in this context, is especially dangerous because local governments are the last hope to protect the health and safety of its residents. Sludge is not likely to be regulated by the state.”
The legislation has already passed in the Senate and could come up for a vote in the House as early as next week, said Steve Miskin, spokesman for House Majority Leader John Perzel, R-Philadelphia. If approved by a majority of House members, the bill would only need Gov. Mark Schweiker’s signature to become law. But time is running out; the Legislature’s session ends on Nov. 30. If the bill is not passed by then, it dies.
Like farmers, lawmakers appear to be equally divided on the issue.
“The bill is intended to make the laws the same statewide, so we don’t hinder our farms,” said Cheryl Hicks, legislative director for Sen. Barry Stout, D-Bentleyville. She said environmental laws are already in place to prevent the health hazards that opponents fear.
But House Minority Whip Mike Veon, D-Beaver Falls, said the legislation goes too far.
“I oppose it because I it strips significant local authority from elected township officials, and these are decisions that I think they ought to have a right to make at the local level.”
However, Veon added, “I’m still hopeful we can find a compromise that satisfies the farmers, who I do think have legitimate concerns, and still doesn’t just roll over the rightful authority of local officials.”